Swords Under The Ancient Eclipse: Shadow Curse

Prologue

“So this is how we end… Rieviana” His face, which always looks like a sculpted piece of art is crumpled as his jewel like amethyst-colored eyes gazed at me with indescribable emotions.

“You’ve never said anything other than goodbyes, Ashierian.” I smirked, my eyes fixated on the blade aimed for my neck.

All I can hear are screams and the scratching sound of blades everywhere.

The once beautiful capital of Werrien Empire was turned into a wasteland by a war that begun by a mere promise a thousand years ago.

It’s going to end if I die though…

Ashierian—my lovely twin brother’s face crumpled even more. “I loved you, Rie.”

“Well, doesn’t matter. Do it. Be the hero of these people, Ashier.” A smiled crept up to my face, “At the expense of your sister.”

His eyes widened at my words. Instead of pressing the blade enough to wound me, I felt its tip slowly retreating.


“What are you doing, Your Grace?! Kill her!”

“If that woman escapes our grasp, she’s going to destroy the Empire!”

“Please, Your Grace!”

Shouts erupted the moment he puts down his sword. I watched every move he took while backing away.


“You’re always so easy to manipulate, Ashierian.”

“Rie… Rieviana.. Promise me.” I creased my forehead at his words. It was more like a whisper. “When you escape, you’ll never go back here.”

What? Does he even know what he’s saying?

I slowly stood up. “Why? What are you doing this for?” I asked even though I knew the answer my self. “I’m a threat but so do you. We’re both protecting the things we ought to protect so why?”

“Because…” a whisper, like a sigh came out of his mouth. “…before them, I promised to protect you first. What kind of brother hurts their own sibling?”

“You must be kidding.” I laughed mockingly. A shadow flashed beneath my feet and a dark light surges through my hands—aiming for his neck in this distance. “You enjoyed your life while mine was wrecking down!”

He didn’t say anything and instead… he closed his eyes. As if accepting both of our fates and choosing a choice for the both of us.

Perhaps, this lifetime is a failure as well.


“Goodbye, Ashierian. Let’s meet again in the skies some—huck!”

What? What the hell?

Thwuck! I looked down to my chest pierced by a rustless, blood covered sword. Its shine being the same it was a hundred years ago.

“Ack! Khaagh! Cough!” Blood poured out of my mouth and chest as well. I looked back weakly to where the blade came from. “Heuuk..”

“How noisy, Grand Mage Rieviana.” Her familiar red hair which stands out too much like flames evoked a sense of nostalgia. “Surprise attack like this really works out for you, a sword master and a Grand Mage, right Rie?”

My friend and the owner of Holy Sword—Estelle.


How? I didn’t even notice her coming even with my mana dete–ah… right. It’s divine power.

“No! Rie, No!” I heard Ashier’s voice but my eyes were getting blurry.


That damn sword. I should’ve destroyed it then!